The patient-analyst match and the outcome of psychoanalysis: a pilot study

J Am Psychoanal Assoc. 1989;37(4):893-919. doi: 10.1177/000306518903700402.

Abstract

This paper presents a pilot study in which we explore the possibility that the match between analyst and analysand is a factor of central importance in the analytic situation. It is an attempt to look at the issue of match across a large number of patients. The data we used were not collected for studying this topic; thus, the study has serious limitations. Nevertheless, certain patterns emerged which support our thesis that patient-analyst match plays a significant role in the outcome of psychoanalysis. We present this work as a first step in developing concepts and methods which will be pursued in a more systematic and rigorous fashion in a later study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Clinical Competence
  • Countertransference
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Freudian Theory
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Neurotic Disorders / psychology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Psychoanalytic Therapy*
  • Transference, Psychology